Pulsar Standby Generators Error Codes

E01

Generator will not start in AUTO or MANUAL mode; control panel shows E01 and start sequence aborts after several cranking attempts.

Failed Auto Start / No Start Condition

E02

Generator attempts to start but shuts down within a few seconds; control panel displays E02 (Low Oil Pressure Shutdown).

Low Oil Pressure Protection Trip

E03

Generator shuts down during operation and displays E03 (Overcrank). Engine cranks multiple times but never starts.

Overcrank / Failed Start After Multiple Attempts

E04

Generator starts but shuts down within seconds to a minute with E04 (Overload / Overcurrent) on the display.

Generator Overload Protection Trip

E05

Generator display shows E05 and the unit will not start; sometimes accompanied by a clicking sound from the control panel.

Control Board Communication / Internal Fault

E06

Generator shuts down and displays E06 (High Engine Temperature / Overheat). Cooling fan may be running loudly before shutdown.

Engine Overtemperature Shutdown

E07

Generator display shows E07 (Low Battery Voltage) and unit may fail to crank or crank slowly.

Low DC Battery Voltage Alarm

E08

Generator display shows E08 (High Battery Voltage) and may prevent starting or cause intermittent resets.

High DC Battery Voltage Alarm

E09

Generator shuts down and displays E09 (Underfrequency / Engine Underspeed) while under load.

Engine Underspeed / Low Frequency Fault

E10

Generator shuts down and displays E10 (Overfrequency / Engine Overspeed). Engine may rev unusually high just before shutdown.

Engine Overspeed Protection Trip

E11

Generator display shows E11 (Low AC Voltage) and the unit may continue running but transfer switch does not engage.

Low Output Voltage / Under-Voltage Fault

E12

Generator display shows E12 (High AC Voltage) and may shut down or refuse to transfer load.

High Output Voltage / Over-Voltage Fault

E13

Generator display shows E13 (Phase Loss / Phase Imbalance) on three-phase Pulsar standby models; transfer switch may drop load.

Phase Loss or Severe Voltage Imbalance

E14

Generator display shows E14 (Reverse Power / Backfeed Detected) and shuts down shortly after starting.

Backfeed / Reverse Power Protection Trip

E15

Generator display shows E15 (Fuel Pressure Low) on LPG/NG Pulsar standby models; engine may start then stall.

Low Fuel Gas Pressure / Fuel Starvation

E16

Generator display shows E16 (Fuel Leak Detected) and prevents starting; may be accompanied by a fuel odor alarm.

Fuel Leak / Gas Detection Alarm

E17

Generator display shows E17 (Ignition Failure) after several failed start attempts; engine may sputter but not run.

Ignition System Failure

E18

Generator display shows E18 (Sensor Fault) and may indicate which sensor (oil, temp, speed) in a sub-message.

Engine Sensor Circuit Fault

E19

Generator display shows E19 (ATS Communication Error); unit may run but not transfer load automatically.

Automatic Transfer Switch Communication Loss

E20

Generator display shows E20 (Exercise Timer Fault); scheduled exercise runs do not occur.

Exercise Timer / Scheduler Malfunction

Symptom

Automatic weekly exercise test does not run; generator remains idle even though exercise is enabled.

Exercise Function Not Operating

Symptom

Control panel LCD is blank or very dim, but generator may still run or crank.

Display Power / Backlight Failure

Symptom

Corrosion and rust visible on battery terminals, frame, and electrical connectors inside the generator enclosure.

Corrosion / Environmental Damage

Symptom

Excessive vibration and rattling noise from the generator enclosure during operation.

Abnormal Vibration / Mounting Issue

Symptom

Generator cranks normally but never fires; no error code displayed on basic Pulsar standby models without digital diagnostics.

No Start – Cranks But Will Not Run

Symptom

Generator emits excessive black smoke from the exhaust during operation.

Rich Fuel Mixture / Incomplete Combustion

Symptom

Generator emits white or bluish smoke from the exhaust, especially on startup.

Oil Burning / Coolant Ingress (liquid-cooled models)

Symptom

Generator enclosure fan (if equipped) runs loudly or not at all, causing hot air buildup inside the cabinet.

Enclosure Ventilation Failure

Symptom

Generator leaks oil onto the base pan or ground; oil spots visible under the Pulsar standby unit.

Engine Oil Leak

Symptom

Generator runs but frequently stalls or surges when large loads (like air conditioners) start.

Engine Stalling Under Load

Symptom

Generator runs but produces no AC voltage at the outlets or transfer switch.

No AC Output / Loss of Excitation

Symptom

Generator runs but voltage and frequency fluctuate noticeably; lights flicker and motors buzz.

Unstable Voltage / Frequency

Symptom

Generator starts and runs but does not transfer power to the house; lights remain off even though engine is running.

No Power to Load / Transfer Failure

Symptom

Generator starts and stops repeatedly in short cycles when utility power is unstable.

Nuisance Cycling / Short Cycling

Symptom

Generator will not crank at all when AUTO or MANUAL start is requested; panel may light up but starter is silent.

No Crank Condition

Symptom

Loud knocking, metallic clatter, or deep banging noise from the engine while running.

Internal Engine Mechanical Noise

Symptom

Strong burning smell or visible melted insulation near the alternator or wiring harness.

Overheating Electrical Wiring / Insulation Damage

Symptom

Strong fuel smell around the generator even when not running; no digital fuel leak code on basic models.

Fuel Odor / Possible Fuel Leak

Symptom

Visible sparks or arcing at the generator brushes or slip rings (on brush-type Pulsar alternators).

Excessive Brush Arcing